Clean Mold Stains From Grout

Use a bleach pen to kill mold spots on grout around the tub and shower.

by Gary Wentz

From The Family Handyman

In a damp area like a shower, there’s no permanent cure for mildew growing on grout. But bleach, along with light scrubbing, is a good way to clean it off and kill it off—at least temporarily. The trouble with applying bleach to a large area is that nasty fumes fill the air. Plus you risk damage to other nearby surfaces (bleach can harm many metals and plastics with prolonged contact). A bleach pen, on the other hand, lets you apply bleach only where you need it. And since the bleach is in a gel form, it grips vertical surfaces—that gives it time to penetrate and kill mildew in the grout’s pores. You’ll find bleach pens ($4) alongside fabric detergents at discount and grocery stores. If you have colored grout, test for discoloration on a small spot.